wings_fanatic

Even if there was a delay to next years season, say it wouldnt start until December, I would imagine that Nick would retire. I don't think Nick would want to stick around when there wouldn't be a guaranteed season, and it would be harder for him at his age to keep his body in shape for a late start to a season. With that said, I am very confident that the NHL will NOT allow for a work stoppage again simply because they lost too much money and too many fans last time. If they were to go on strike again, I think they will lose a lot of fans for good. I would strongly consider being one of those fans because I would be extremely pissed off that a freakin work stoppage prevented Nick from playing one more year. With that said, I think they will negotiate and there will be a normal season.

After last nights loss against the Habs, it has become apparent to me that Babs needs to make some line changes. Zetterberg has 1 goal in his last 19 games and that entire 2nd line, as a whole, has been ineffective. With that said, I think Babs needs to make the following changes. Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Bertuzzi- I think Hank needs to play with Pavs so he can get going. Pavs is playing in a league of his own and he can feed Hank the puck. I think this will allow Hank to become dominant again, which is important for our success. Also, I want to keep Bert with Pavs because he is having a great year, and he is creating a lot of open ice for Pavs. I think that this would be a great and dominant top line. Franzen- Filpulla- Hudler- Franzen always plays well with Fil, and Fil is playing very confidently this year, so I think he can man the 2nd line. Hudler has been working hard enough this season to stay on the 2nd line. I think that this will be a very solid 2nd line that can provide offense to go along with the top line. Miller- Helm- Cleary- has been an extremely solid 3rd line and will eventually be able to score some goals from time to time Eaves- Abdelkator- Homer- decent 4th line that will be able to establish a forecheck Lidstrom- White- Arguably the best D pairing in the league, leave them together Kronners- Stu- Have been solid together except last night Ericsson- Commie- While I hate Ericsson, he has looked pretty solid when playing with Commie. I think these lines would be the best bet for the Wings moving forward. Bare in mind, I think Kenny needs to make a move by the deadline.

To the poster above, that is one of the dumbest posts I have ever heard. Babs is the BEST coach in the hockey world, undisputidely. The plays respect him and listen to him and believe in his system. And, unlike most coaches, he is always looking to do different things, to look to others to better himself and his team. Simply put, when he talks, ever single player on the team gathers and listens. I had the honor to meet Mike Babcock on Monday when my team played at the Joe, where he came in and talked to the team. He is a great coach, and a great person on top of that. IMO he is the best coach not named Scotty Bowman. Also, you are whining about Babcock for not motivating the players enough? It is an 82 game season... we will not be perfect. We had 7 straight wins, are 1st overall, and were missing our captain and arguably our best player in Nick. Babs knows this team and knows that he cant just yell at them all the time because they are veterans... he has to pick his battles. For example, he challenged them against the Blues on Monday and they responded... but tonight he realized that it would be hopeless. Some people need to relax. Yes we lost in pathetic fashion tonight, but it was NOT Mike Babcock's fault. If anything, this loss will present changes to Babs, such as putting Hank with Pavs consistently, and a few other things. Lets accept the loss, hope the players rest up and be honoured that we are fans of the greatest team in hockey.

Well clearly the Wings didn't show up tonight. I am not going to make a huge deal about it because we were without Nick so I was expected an ugly game. But here is what I think for after the all star break... - Kenny needs to make a move at the deadline... something is missing on this wings team - I am thrilled that Babs has moved Pavs and Hank together this game (I want this to continue because Hank and Fil and Huds have been really flat lately) With this team I think the lines should be : Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Bertuzzi (Hank has been terrible- - to his standards- - this season. IMO if he is not going then this team will not go all the way in the playoffs. The only way to get him going is to stick him with Pavs, who is playing at an elite level. I also want to keep Bert on Pavs line because he has been playing wonderful with him and I think he would compliment that line) Franzen- Filpulla- Hudler (Franzen and Fil work together well and Hudler has been playing well with Fil) Miller- Helm- Cleary Homer- Abs- Eaves (when eaves is back) Lidstrom- White Kronwall- Stuart Ericcson- Commridore - Nick and White have been arguably the best duo in the league - Kronners and Stu, except tonight, have been a nice 2nd set of D for us - I find Ericsson plays much better with Comi - More than anything though, I think it is imperative that Hank and Pavel play together

Guys this is a pointless argument. Take 2006, the Wings lost to the Oilers in 6 games. The Oilers were NOT even close to being a better team then the Wings that year, but their goalie won them the series, and our goalie played a large part in us losing the series. There is more to a 7 game series then just the players... there are bad calls made for both teams involved (2009 vs. the Ducks when Hossa scored but the ref said no goal), lucky bounces to decide games (2009 game 1 vs. the Pens the Wings got 2 lucky goals that bounced off the boards), and also coaching. Also, we have to take into account injuries that teams have, and the fact that different teams have swings of momentum at different times. With that said, it is hard to justify that a 7 game series will always prove who the better team is. Now with that said, we can boil it down to saying a 7 game series will usually decide who is the better team at the time, however there are exceptions to that where the worse team actually wins the series (Oilers against the Wings in 2006). Now regarding who the better team is here out of the Wings or the Blues, I don't think there is much question that the Wings are clearly superior talentwise. However, the Blues have proved that they can hang with the Wings during certain times. I am still pretty confident to say the Blues would not outlast the Wings in a 7 game series, but by no means am I putting down the Blues. THey have a great coach, and a great system that they all buy into, but at the end of the day, the just cannot match up against the Wings.

It was a missed call by the refs, but one thing I have learned over the past couple of years is that there are 82 games in a season and sometimes you get calls in your favor, and then other games things just don't go the way you want. I was at the game last night and I saw quite a few missed calls- - both ways- - but by not calling every little infraction made for a really exciting and enjoyable game between 2 of the leagues best teams. For the first chunk of the first period it was all St. Louis. The Wings were just watching the play... couldn't pass, hit, or anything. Then During one of the commercial breaks, Mike Babcock had the team huddle together and they had a quick team meeting. Whatever he said at that time worked, because shortly after Stuart had his fantastic hit, and that turned the game around. In my opinion, it was whatever babcock said to the team that changed the game- - not the refs. Speaking of Mike Babcock, I just want to say what an awesome person he is. Yesterday the team I coach got to play at Joe Louis Arena at 4pm, and before the boys went on the ice, we were all welecomed by a visit from Mike Babcock- - the kids were THRILLED. He came in there, joked around with them, talked a bit and wished everyone good luck. Little things like that make a huge difference for kids, and it goes to show not only is Babs the best coach in the league, but he is an awesome person as well. That's why I think his words on that tv timeout was the difference maker.

I was at the game tonight, and it was a great game to watch after the first 10 minutes. - Pavel was the best player on the ice... every shift he was creating harvoc. - Nick was a very close 2nd to pavs out there... he was genius defensively, shooting the puck well, knocking pucks out of the air, and bbroke up a 2 on 1 in the 3rd which I consider a game saving play - Jimmy Howard was outstanding again... love the way he got into it at the end With those positives, I was very disappointed with the Zetterberg line. Hudler could NOT control the puck tonight, and Hank seems afraid to go to the dirty areas to score goals. More than anything, Hank really needs to get going. Overall great game by the Wings

Franzen- Datsyuk- Bertuzzi Hemskey/ Selanne- Zetterberg- Filpulla Cleary- Helm- Hudler Miller- Abs- Emmerton/ Mursak/Eaves That is a deep, deep line-up if you ask me. I think no matter what, Bert NEEDS to stay with Pavs because he has been doing a superb job in that role, contributing with goals and assists, but also by using his body and size to create space for Pavs to work magic. Realistically, I see the Wings getting Hemskey, even though I would rather Semin, who I would LOVE on the wings playing with Pavs.But, I have heard rumors from various people that Selanne has said if he were to waive his clause the only two teams he would consider would be San Jose and the Red Wings and if that were the case, I would LOVE to get Selanne... he is CLUTCH and would provide even more motivation to win the cup along with Nick. Anyways, that 2nd line would be solid and could score some big goals and dominate opposing lines. Helm and Hudler played together when we won the cup, and have been great together in the past.

Pavel pulled a beauty deke and hit the post on the first shootout he missed, then last game pulled his beauty move only to get robbed... so I wouldnt start worrying. But Hudler needs to be moved back in the shootout lineup he is terrible. Fil should defs be one of the 1st 3 guys... Pavs, Fil, Bert.

I like the changes to the powerplay units a lot... it has given quite a few more looks. I CANNOT believe there was no call on that knee on knee. Besides that though, the Wings need to get going and put this game away. The problem with the top line tonight is Pavs is not being given the puck enough... Franzen needs to nevermind rushing the puck... they need to give it to Pavs so they can get in the zone and get things going... that is the strength of that line.

Absolutely terrible period. NO ENERGY at all by the Wings. Good thing Lidstrom and Datsyuk at least look good out there (as per usual). The refs also missed a good 3 CLEAR calls against columbus but I am used to that. The problem is they need to play way better then that... they need to get possession time and throw that puck on net. I expect this team comes on the ice with much more determination in the 2nd and 3rd.

3rd is starting 4 on 4 so I will take that. Still, there should have been no call, but better than being short handed. The Wings need to come out and put this game to bed. I am gonna say Pavs scores the game winner.

WTF is it going to take for Mike Babcock to change the powerplay lines??! I am sick and tired of watching the powerplay units either spend the entire time trying to gain the zone, or when they are in the zone pass it way too much. He needs to freakin change the PP units up because they need to get going. Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Homer on the top PP unit (Hank needs to shoot the puck not set others up and this unit has worked wonders on the PP so might as well try it out again) Bert-Fil- Franzen (a more than capable 2nd unit) Another problem I have with the top PP unit is White. I don't care the reason, there is no way White should be playing the top of the point while Nick skates inward ... if they are going to have a pointman move in on the PP then let White be the one because we need Lidstrom to be able to wire shots (I feel he has not been shooting enough on our powerplay the last while which is when our PP started to get crappy).

Forgive me if this has not been mentioned, but I think a lot of people are forgetting the best news this could possibly give us. Yah it is great that the Wings are versing the Leafs in front of 115000ish people outdoors next year, but the announcement of this has me thinking that this could be huge motivation for Nick to come back 1 more season. I know he takes a lot into account in the offseason before coming to an ultimate decision, but I think that this game could very well help sway his decision to come back one more time

Good game by the Wings but after an outstanding first period, I was not happy with how the Wings kind of sat back in that period. They were still making good plays, but the intensity level dropped off a bit, and I am sure Babs will challenge that going into the 3rd. I still think the refs owe us a couple powerplays becuse the Hawks have really got away with quite a few calls and what bugs me everytime we play the hawks is the amount of penalties toews gets away with. OVerall I expect a better effort in the 3rd to seal the deal for the Wings.

I cant believe how out of it Hank seems. He just is not himself this year at all. Late on that powerplay the Wings gained the zone and he just dumped the puck around to no one and turned it over... just so untypical of him. Overall its a tight checking game with the Wings showing bursts of their skill. I think the reffing has been pathetic this game. They missed the interference call on the hit on Helm and Datsyuk that period, but yet called that interference on Homer?! I think it's time the NHL has a meeting with their refs about consistency. HOpefully Pavs or Nick gets the GW in the 3rd go wings!

Good period by the Wings overall, but there are still a few too many breakdowns that have led to odd man rushes. Pavel had an outstanding period. I would love to know WTF is up with the reffing the last 6 games... it seems as though the Wings NEVER get powerplays. That period alone Pavel should have drew 2 penalties that were clearly hooking but there was no call?? It is getting pathetic so we better start getting some proper reffing.

Mike Babcock has to call out the refs one of these days... I am sick and tired of watching our team get lame calls against us and the other teams being handed gifts. Earlier in the game the Hawks put a hand on the puck in the crease to save a goal and we didnt get a penalty shot against us, but when we do it in the 3rd period the ref did not hesitate to call a penalty shot. Some consistency would be nice. Or how about that lame holding call Cleary got at the beginning of the 3rd?! How many times did Toews alone hold and hook our players tonight. The bottom line is that the Wings have only gotten 3 powerplays total the past 3 games, which is retarded considering how they have controlled play in parts of these games. I am just so happy that we won this game because it fells like we beat the world tonight because everything went against the Wings. Conklin played outstanding, 2nd star to Pavel IMO. Pavel is simply unreal and the goal was just the cherry on top. I cant wait for the Wings to go home though... these road games are getting tiring to watch.

I think the refs have been TERRIBLE this game. So far, in the past 3 games including tonight, we have had a grand total of TWO powerplays! The Wings are generating chances and have offensive zone time, but yet somehow are now getting powerplays? Yet the teams they are playing are getting powerplays for the same things that we are not getting calls for. Also, I cant stand Toews anymore he whines just as much as Crosby used to. These announcers (minus doc emerick) have been SO ANNOYING!!! All they do is point out how the Wings should get a penalty for almost every play and fail to mention when the Wings should maybe get a powerplay. ON another note, I think Pavel is once again our best player by a long shot... he is really flying out there every shift and giving it his all. Conks is having a solid game imo so far if this keeps up I think he should get more starts so Howard is not drained come playoff time. Lastly, I love that Babs is starting to mix lines up a bit its making them harder on the puck.

Howard was brutal in Dallas, he was the first to admit it. But to blame him for tonight... come on. Yah, he defs looked bad on that 4th goal, but on the other goals he was hung out to dry. The Wings have been dominant in most games recently, the only problem has been WAYYYYYYYYY too many breakaways and 2 on 1s against us!!! The past few games, the amt of breakaways and 2 on 1s against us has been terrible. I really like White, but he needs to watch when he is pinching for the puck because its always Nick back defending on 2 on 1s... so Babcock needs to get that sorted out. Other than that I thought Pavel was our best player tonight, Cleary was our worst. I am also not happy Babs put Kindl into the lineup when Commie has been playing extremely well and we have been winning. If anything, Ericsson is pylon so let him sit. Hopefully Babs gets things ready to go tomorrow in Chicago so we can take over 2nd place in the west. One other little thing that has been bugging me is the lack of powerplays the Wings are getting. Tonight, for example, they DOMINATED the game since their timeout, but yet they only got one powerplay?! They drew at least 3 legit calls imo, but no calls were made. To top that, their powerplay tonight is their only powerplay in 2 games!? The refs need to do a better job and never mind calling bogus penalty shots against us, and start to call the game properly.

IF the WIngs show up like they should and play a solid road game, this should be an easy road win for them. It will help that both Souray and Robidas are out with injuries, as they both have bombs from the blue line. I think Wings win 4-2 with a big night from Pavs and Nick respectively.

I think this is the same problem I have been preaching the past few games... Our top 2 lines have become very stale. The only thing that stills works well is Bert with Pavs because Bert is using his size to make room for Pavs which has made that line effective. The 2nd line is always hemmed in our zone and is having trouble establishing any forecheck. I would like to see Babs change things up to spark more energy. Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Bert Franzen- Filpulla- Huder Zetterberg playing with Fil isn't working anymore because Hank tries to carry the puck himself too much, and he simply is not good at that. With Pavs, Hank does not have to worry about carrying the puck and can worry more about being open to get a shot off and Bert will provide more room for the Eurotwins. Anytime Franzen looks like a ghost for the better part of 10 games, that usually means its time to put him on a different line to give him something newish to work with. He has a history of coming out of his shell when he is put on a new line when things become stale so I think Babcock should use these lines for a while, and then when they get stale switch them up again. IMO that will make the Wings better because their problem right now is not so much making too many mistakes, but more of their top lines having little energy during the game.

Thankfully the game is at home, where the Wings typically perform well. One thing I have noticed over the past several games is that the Zetterberg line has been very quiet and have provided little energy. To add to that, they have been terrible with coverage in our own zone. So tonights game, I am going to expect that they perform at the level that they should be because the only line that establishes the energy it needs to is Pavs line (I am just talking about the top 2 lines here). One thing I have noticed is that Hank's line is usually better at home, but on the road they seem to lack for energy for some reason. Regardless, if the Wings start off slow tonight, I want to see a slight mix- up of lines. Bert has been playing sooooo well with Pavs that I would like to see him play with Pavs and Hank. Meanwhile Franzen has gotten quite stale recently, so maybe he just needs a fresh line. Zetterberg- Datsyuk- Bertuzzi Franzen- Filpulla- Hudler I would try these 2 lines because I think every so often the lines get stale and when Babs makes a couple little changes it usually sparks energy for 10 or so games.

I don't know what it is with road games, but they seem to have NO ENERGY WHATSOEVER! They barely establish a forecheck, and imo play a style to just prevent the other team from scoring and then capitalize on any chances in between. IMO Babs needs to think about using different lines for road games or something because this team just never has energy on the road. On another note, I am very happy that he loads up Datsyuk and Zetterberg on the powerplay unit last game and this game finally. HOpefully the refs get their heads out of their ass for the rest of the game though (not likely since they always favor the Hawks)

1. Lidstrom 2. Datsyuk 3. Howard Jimmy Howard has been extremely solid for the Wings all season long, but I don't think he is our best. Watching every game, it seems as though Nick is still the guy for the Wings. Out in all situations, always in the right spot, controlling the flow of the game for the Wings, making the right passes and, most importantly, keeping things going for the Wings. IMO everything he does exemplifies what this team is about, which is illustrated by his desire to compete his absolute best and win. To me, he is still our best player. I picked Pavel as a close number 2 because, like Nick, Pavel is one of the few that show up night in and night out. He did not have a great start offensively, but he was still giving it his all, backchecking well and doing all the little things. And quite a while ago he picked it up offensively and he is right up there with the lead leaders, and is throwing his body around, winning faceoofs, and is dominant every single shift. I picked Jimmy for 3 because, even though he has been absolutely outstanding, I do not think he has "won" as many games for the wings as people make it out to be. He is definitely doing his job better than all other goalies, but I still do not think he is our best player.